James S. Spicuzza, 79

July 21, 2001

James S. Spicuzza, 79, of Elk Grove Village, the former owner of J.S. Spicuzza Wholesale Produce of Chicago, died of a massive stroke Thursday, July 19, in Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village. Mr. Spicuzza, who was born in Chicago, graduated from Crane High School and served four years in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a staff sergeant radio mechanic based in Altus Army Air Field in Oklahoma. After leaving the military, he returned to Chicago and took over J.S. Spicuzza Wholesale Produce, a family-owned business started by his father, Cosmo Spicuzza. Mr. Spicuzza delivered produce to local hotels and restaurants. "He took great pride in telling you how to pick out a cantaloupe," said his daughter Annette. He retired in the late 1980s and divided his time between his North Side home in Chicago and his winter home in Indian Town, Fla. Last year, he moved to Elk Grove Village to be closer to his family. "He had a great work ethic," his daughter said. Other survivors include his wife, Celia; a son, James; two more daughters, Aurelia Fuchs and Cecelia McDonald; a sister, Antoinette Asp; and six grandchildren. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Salerno's Rosedale Chapel, 450 W. Lake St., Roselle. Prayers will be said at 9 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. A mass will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Walter Catholic Church, 130 W. Pine St., Roselle.